Florencia Baldini Last Updated on November 30, 2025I still can’t believe this works — and I’ve been creating recipes online for years. The first time I made these, I actually laughed because it feels like magic. You take grated Parmesan, pop it into the microwave, and in one single minute you get the crispiest, golden, flavour-packed chips. No oil, no flour, no mixing… just cheese.
The obsession actually started on my latest holiday to Italy. We had this incredible pizza — genuinely top three of my life — and they served it with little Parmesan chips on top. One bite and I fell in love. I remember thinking, how did they do it? When I came home I tried making them in a pan… total fail. But one day, just for fun, I thought, “Let’s see if it works in the microwave…” and I couldn’t believe the result. Perfect, crispy, salty Parmesan chips in sixty seconds.
They’re naturally zero-carb, making them ideal if you’re following a low-carb or high-protein lifestyle. But honestly, even if you’re not, they’re one of those recipes you’ll end up making over and over because they’re that quick and that buonissimo.
And the best part? 100g Parmesan makes roughly 30–40 chips, each about 4cm wide. Enjoy them on their own, add them to an aperitivo board, or crumble them over salads for that salty, crispy crunch. Once you try them, they become a staple.
Tips & Hacks
Use baking paper: Place small cheese mounds on baking paper so they lift easily once they cool.
Space them out: They spread slightly as they melt, so leave some room.
Let them cool: They crisp fully only once they cool — patience is key.
Shape them: While warm, drape them over a rolling pin for curved chips.
Swaps
Parmesan: Pecorino works beautifully for a stronger, saltier flavour, but the chips will be slightly more delicate. I also tested it with feta and it was unbelievable!
Storage
Fridge: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days, but they’re crispiest on day one.
Freezer: Not recommended as they soften after thawing.
More Easy Sides For The Holidays
- Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole
- Healthy Mash Potatoes (No Butter, Italian-Style)
- Roasted Grapes, Carrot & Lentil Salad
- Roasted Carrots & Halloumi Salad
1-Ingredient Parmesan Chips (In 1 Minute!)
Video
Ingredients
- 100 g grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Place a piece of baking paper on a microwave-safe plate.
- Add 1 teaspoon of grated Parmesan for each chip and gently flatten it into a small disk with your fingers.
- Use a small cookie cutter as a guide if you want perfectly round shapes.
- Microwave for 1 minute, stopping at the 30-second mark to open the door and release steam.
- Continue microwaving until the cheese is fully melted and golden.
- Remove from the microwave and let the chips cool down completely.
- Transfer them onto a baking rack to crisp up.
Notes
Enjoy on their own, serve as part of an appetiser board, or crumble over salads and soups for a savoury crunch.
Try adding black pepper or chilli flakes before microwaving for extra flavour.